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[beefaroni]

 [ooc: you know the drill, let me know which way and when!]

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[beefaroni]

[ Now, Asterios is somewhat familiar with the holiday, given that they celebrate it at Chaldea. And it... gets progressively weirder every year but that's a whole other tangent.

However, he is surprised to be getting a gift - also because of their last conversation! He slowly takes it. ]

This is... for me?

[letmewin]

( There's a more tentative smile then -- hesitant, a bit uncertain. It's true that the last time that they had spoken was a little on the tense side, but he doesn't consider Asterios someone any less of a friend. )

... Y... Yeah... Uhm... I wanted to try to give presents for all the friends I made here.

( It's nothing huge, but it's a blanket -- one that should be extra large, given how tall Asterios is. )

... I know that you were scared the last time we talked, but -- I never stopped thinking of you as one of my friends.

[beefaroni]

[ Asterios goes quiet as he begins to unwrap the present. He finds the blanket, and runs his fingers across it. The entire time, his expression never changes.

Then, he moves towards Asriel... and gently pats his head. ]

... You are... a good child.

[letmewin]

( There's a lengthy pause then, Asriel blinking a bit in surprise at the pat. Slowly, he smiles. He's not so sure, but... )

Does that mean you like it...?

[beefaroni]

... I am not used to gifts. Giving, receiving... I do not know what others like. I do not know what is useful. What is liked.

... But I like this.

[letmewin]

O-Oh, really...? Uhm... When you give gifts, it's about giving something you think the other person will like.

( He can't help but smile at what Asterios says next. He can't help it. He's relieved he likes it. )

Golly, really? That's great!

[beefaroni]

... It is custom to give something, in return.

[ He moves to shuffle around, taking something out of a satchel - He's learned how to make a few potions during his time here, and always keeps some on hand just in case. Guess this is just in case! So he takes out a bottle. ]

... Here. Potion. This will... heal you. Small scrapes. Bruises. Infection.

[letmewin]

( For a moment, Asiel can't help but look on. Their first instinct is to protest the gift, because... they don't need anything in return. Just knowing that Asterios likes the present is more than enough.

He hesitates to take it, but offers a smile regardless. )

A... Are you sure...? You might need it a lot more, right? Uhm... I don't really fight or anything.

[beefaroni]

... This is a dangerous world. You may not want to fight... but there are many here, who will want to. You must be ready. You must be prepared.

It would be best, you have this, and never be harmed... then to not take it, and be harmed, with no way to heal.

[ With that, he gently begins to press the potion into the boy's hands. ]

[letmewin]

...

( While Asriel knows such things far better than other children, he recognizes Asterios's generosity and protectiveness. He appreciates it a lot. )

Thank you, Asterios-- for trying to protect me.

[beefaroni]

... And thank you, for trying to protect me... in your own way.

[ Asriel is clearly trying to protect Asterios' heart. ]

[letmewin]

Of course, Asterios! We're friends.

( So... of course he wants to try to do his best to protect him. )